NewGrow Pitch Night competition is slated for Friday, May 31st. Local businesses can receive up to $10,000.00 toward their new or innovative business ideas. NewGrow 2024 Info.

“We may have to rename Glacier National Park”. At the Alberta Irrigation Districts Association Convention, Dr. John Pomeroy reported that we have lost many glaciers, and most will be gone soon. Because they are no longer supplying the Bow River as they used to glacier runoff will not be able to support irrigation. Therefore it is key that Alberta builds more reservoirs for when water is needed.

Operation Cold Start: Jan. 8-12th, Brooks RCMP participated in Operation Cold Start. A province wide initiative to inform the public about the risks of leaving their vehicle running during cold weather. In the early morning hours each day that week, Brooks RCMP Members located approximately 105 vehicles running with no one in them. Many were equipped with remote start features. However, about half the vehicles had their keys left inside and unlocked. “We understand the need to have your vehicle warmed up and thawed out, however, all preventative measures to protect it from being stolen should be taken”. –Sgt. David Searle, Detachment Commander of Brooks RCMP

2024 Western Canada Jr. B Lacrosse Invitational the City of Brooks submitted their bid to host this event at the CRA from August 7 – 11, 2024. The City would need to adapt arena operations and timelines, as ice is typically installed at the CRA at the beginning of August.

BCHL playoff games The Bandits have requested that ice at the CRA be reinstalled for the BCHL playoff games. Games begin May 17 to June 2. The ice plant is scheduled to be turned off on May 6 to accommodate the Koye Larson Memorial Professional Bull Riding (PBR) event being held on May 10. Safe Communities Committee has a booking on May 15 for an event for approximately 1000 high school students in the region. The cost to uninstall and reinstall the ice will be about $10,000.

Newell Integrated Child Care Society has sought a $30,000 loan from the City of Brooks to fulfill its immediate financial obligations due to delayed provincial payments. This is after unsuccessfully securing additional funding through their existing financial institution or another bank.

Newell Housing Foundation Update:

• $300,000 was awarded to the Foundation for capital repairs.

• There is one Villa unit vacant awaiting renewal.

• There are 7 people on the waitlist for the Villas in Brooks.

• 162 households received subsidy in December for a total of $81,622.

• Space is filling up on the Rental Assistance Benefits Program.

• 21 households on the waiting list for Community Housing units.

• Premier Danielle Smith visited the Lodge in December, handed out cookies and had a brief opportunity to discuss any issues with the residents.

The Newell Housing Foundation is the first official Living Wage Employer in Brooks. They are also one of the largest Living Wage employers in Alberta with 83 employees. This means they are committed to paying all of their staff the living wage for Brooks ($19.05 per hour). However, they have gone above the requirements by also offering paid benefits and time off.

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